Mandrel Assemblies for On-Site Drill Pipe Refacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple device that allows oil field workers to repair double shoulder drill pipe connections on-site without having to transport the drill pipe to another location, reducing the risk of road accidents, injuries, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The development of mandrel assemblies, including a double face box mandrel assembly and a double face pin mandrel assembly, which enable on-site refacing of drill pipe connections using abrasive materials like sandpaper, allowing for quick and easy repair without the need for electricity beyond a hand grinder, and can be operated by an average oil field worker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If drill pipe connections are refaced at a fixed location (machine shop), then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time and transport costs increase due to trucking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel assembly enables the drill pipe connection to be refaced at its own location using a portable hand grinder, eliminating the need to transport the drill pipe to a fixed machine shop. The self-contained mandrel with abrasive materials allows on-site self-service refacing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel assembly acts as an intermediary device that brings the refacing function to the drill pipe connection site. It includes a mandrel body, abrasive materials, and mounting components that enable portable refacing operations without requiring a fixed machine shop infrastructure.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex refacing equipment is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential components needed for refacing operations from complex machine shop equipment. The mandrel assembly includes minimal necessary elements (mandrel body, abrasive materials, mounting mechanisms) while removing unnecessary complex infrastructure, power systems, and support equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel assembly uses disposable or easily replaceable abrasive materials and simple mechanical components that can be quickly replaced if worn. This approach prioritizes ease of operation and low cost over durability, allowing average workers to perform refacing without requiring expensive, complex, or difficult-to-maintain equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed machine shop infrastructure is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of energy and environmental impact increase due to trucking
Solution Approach 1:
The refacing operation becomes self-contained at the drill pipe connection site, eliminating the need for energy-intensive trucking and transport to fixed machine shops. The portable mandrel assembly performs all necessary refacing functions on-site using minimal energy from a hand grinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel assembly serves as an intermediary that eliminates the transport step between the drill pipe connection and the refacing operation. By bringing the refacing capability directly to the connection point, it removes the energy consumption associated with trucking drill pipe sections to and from fixed facilities.
4Loss of time
If portable refacing device is used, then loss of time for trucking is reduced, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: mandrel body, abrasive material holder, mounting mechanism, and operational controls. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while keeping the overall device relatively simple and manageable for portable operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mandrel assemblies facilitate rapid drill pipe refacing in the field, reducing the need for trucking, minimizing energy consumption, and enhancing safety by allowing on-site repairs, thus reducing road accidents and worker injuries while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
using abrasive materials like sandpaper
Data Source
AI summary
The mandrel assemblies include a double face box mandrel assembly with box refacing tube, male mandrel adapter for engaging within a bore of the box refacing tube, a box mandrel assembly floating over the male mandrel adapter and connected to a drill pipe connection. A box facing mandrel adapter connects to the male mandrel adapter, an outer face plate mounts over the box mandrel assembly engaging the box refacing tube; an inner face plate mounts over the box facing mandrel adapter shaft and attaches to a flange. A double face pin mandrel assembly with pin refacing tube, male mandrel adapter, and pin facing mandrel adapter engages a male mandrel adapter, a pin mandrel assembly floats over the male mandrel adapter and pin facing mandrel adapter and connects to a drill pipe connection opposite the double face box mandrel assembly.